Welcome to the Positive Pulse blog! Check in with us each month for tips on healthy living, right on our website. A short snippet will be featured in the Positive Pulse monthly newsletter as well, which you can sign up for here.
We're back this month with some more tips on healthy living; this time our focus is on keeping that smile nice and white with healthy and consistent dental hygiene practices.
The basics of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist are important for everyone to maintain healthy teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, brushing the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles flay or become irregular.
You can't reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. That's why daily flossing is important. Take it one tooth at a time. Slide the floss into the space between your gum and tooth. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss as you progress to the rest of your teeth. Keep it up. If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover.
Professional cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. It may take time for you to become comfortable at the dental office. A "get-acquainted" visit with no treatment provided might be helpful to familiarize yourself with the office and the exam routine before a real visit. Professional cleanings are just as important as brushing and flossing every day and can identify problems before they cause unnecessary pain.
If you need help finding a more comfortable or accessible way to use a toothbrush, try some of the techniques listed here.
For more Oral Health tips try watching our webinar: Oral Health with Dr. Spivac.
RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536
